The so-called ‘Trial of the Century’ between Manchester City and the Premier League has reportedly concluded, moving the process one step closer to a final verdict.
City were charged with more than 100 breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations by the Premier League in February 2023. The preparation for this highly anticipated trial dragged on until 16 September 2024, when both parties could put forward their respective arguments to an independent three-person panel.
The reigning Premier League champions strongly refute every allegation and have doggedly insisted that the club is entirely innocent. The final arguments were delivered on Friday, 6 December, according to the Daily Mail.
It remains to be seen when a verdict will be reached, although the trial was broughout forward to ensure that a judgement was made before 2025.
Even after the independent panel have come to their decision – the reasoning of which may never be made public officially – both sides are likely to appeal an unfavourable verdict, dragging both parties back into the courtroom for another extended period.
City manager Pep Guardiola has committed his future to the club regardless of the outcome after penning a two-year contract without a relegation break clause. Demotion is one of several punishments which City could face if they are found guilty of artificially inflating sponsorship deals to avoid breaches of FFP rules while buying the players that have won six of the last seven Premier League titles, as they have been accused.
As a verdict crawls into view, multiple managers have referenced the charges levelled against City. Liverpool boss Arne Slot joked about the club’s potential relegation earlier this month while Jose Mourinho used the looming trial as way to fire another barb at his long-term rival Guardiola.
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